New Certification Program Allows Stormwater Professionals to Shine!

The Chesapeake Bay Landscape Professional (CBLP) certification program is a new voluntary, regional (DC Metro area) advanced credential system and network of sustainable landscape professionals. The program was developed by a consortium of organizations, including the Chesapeake Conservation Landscaping Council, the University of Maryland, Wetlands Watch, the Virginia Department of Game & Inland Fisheries, Sea Grant Maryland, and the Virginia Habitat Partners. The goals of this program are to engage the landscape design and installation community, and provide a core set of professional standards and expectations related to stormwater Best Management Practice (BMP) selection, sizing, planting, installation and maintenance.

On January 26th – 28th, the first ever CBLP Level 2 (advanced) training program was held in Arlington Virginia, with 22 participants broadening their understanding of native plants, tree protection, and soils evaluation. My role in this program was to review the features, sizing and design for multiple BMPs, and hopefully added some new tools to the participant’s stormwater toolboxes. There were excellent discussions regarding the applicability of different features, the benefits of flat subgrades, how to design and evaluate treatment trains, and much more. Those attending include a mix of landscape designers, contractors and stormwater program regulators, which provided a wide range of perspectives and experience.

The CBLP program is currently in a pilot phase, and will no doubt continue to be improved. Based upon the success and satisfaction of the participants, I believe it will elevate the level of knowledge and quality of installation of these practices throughout the region.